8 Tech Gadgets All Travelers Should Have

On vacation, your first inclination may be to unplug. But some tech accessories can make your travels even more enjoyable. We've selected the top 15 trip-improving gadgets—from a video camera that documents underwater experiences to a battery-powered backpack that recharges phones. Whether you're headed out on a beach vacation or a city escape, these accessories will help you get the most out of your next adventure.

1. Apple Macbook Air (11-inch)

You can get by without a laptop if you're only traveling for a long weekend, but a notebook can be incredibly useful on extended trips, letting you research restaurants and local excursions, change your bookings, and back up photos and videos on the road. The 11-inch MacBook Air is incredibly thin and weighs just 2.4 pounds, giving you added functionality without extra weight. It's also a great choice for keeping you entertained en-route.

2. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100M III

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sony Electronics, Inc.

$800

The most powerful point-and-shoot camera you can buy is also one of the most expensive, but the Sony Cyber-shot RX100M III is a fantastic pick. Small enough to fit in your pocket, with a battery that will last all day, the Sony will allow you to snap hundreds of shots and plenty of HD video without weighing you down. With a large sensor and a very capable lens, it can keep up with larger, more advanced models.

3. GoPro HERO3: Silver Edition

Photo Credit: Courtesy of GoPro, Inc.

$275

The camera itself may not look like much, but the footage you'll get out of this tiny rectangular shooter is professional-grade. In fact, the HERO3 is so reliable that it's even used for high-end television shoots, particularly when it comes to action scenes and aerial footage. At $275, it's a no-brainer accessory for your next ski trip or surfing adventure, and with dozens of available mounts, you can secure it to just about any surface.

4. SanDisk Ultra 64GB MicroSDXC Card

Photo Credit: Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation

$40

If you're buying an SD card that you plan to use for years to come, make it a microSD. This miniature media can hold just as much as the big guys, but it's small enough to fit into compact devices, such as the GoPro HERO3, some recent point-and-shoot cameras, and most Android smartphones. Most microSD cards also ship with a full-size adapter, so you can use the card with cameras and other gadgets that accept the regular SD format, too.

5. FitBit Flex Activity Wristband

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fitbit® Flex™

$100

If you're exploring a new city for hours a day, chances are you're walking many miles in the process, and probably eating a lot, too. The Fitbit Flex can track the meals you consume, tally the distance you walk, chart calories burned each day, and give you an idea of how much exercise you're getting on the road. It also keeps an eye on you overnight, tracking the number of hours you sleep and how many times you woke up. When it's time to wake up, the Fitbit will vibrate.

6. Balanzza Handheld Digital Luggage Scale

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Balanzza

$20

We all hate baggage fees, and while you may not be able to avoid paying them altogether when you check a bag on a domestic flight, you can at least avoid overweight charges. Simply attach the scale to your luggage straps and lift. If you're over the limit, you can move clothes and other items from one bag to another before you arrive at the airport, helping reduce wait times or stress on your wallet.

7. TP-Link TL-WR710N Wireless Mini Pocket Router

Photo Credit: Courtesy of TP-LINK Technologies Co.

$30

If you travel with your laptop, you've probably run into issues connecting to a hotel's WiFi. The hardwired Ethernet option is typically much more reliable, and if you bring along a wireless router, you can create your own WiFi network by tapping into the cable attached to the desk in many hotel rooms. This TP-Link model is one of the most affordable and compact—roughly the size of your laptop's power adapter. There's also a built-in USB port for external storage devices or charging other gadgets.

8. The North Face Surge II Charged Backpack

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The North Face

$229

You're going to need a bag to haul around all that new gear, and The North Face Surge II Charged backpack includes a unique accessory that makes it even more practical for avid travelers. The front compartment features something called a Joey—an integrated battery pack with a USB port, providing enough power to charge smartphones or other USB-powered gadgets up to three times. There's also room for a 17-inch laptop, tablets, e-readers, and anything else you might bring.